How to Fix a Dripping Faucet in 15 Minutes

The steady drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet is not just a sanity-testing annoyance; it can also waste hundreds of gallons of water a year and inflate your utility bill. Fortunately, you do not need to pay for an expensive plumbing service call to fix it. Most drips in classic double-handle (compression) faucets are caused by a degraded rubber washer or O-ring, which you can easily replace yourself with basic household tools.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Adjustable wrench
• Flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Replacement faucet washers and O-rings (an inexpensive multi-pack assortment from the hardware store works best)
• Silicone plumber's grease (optional, but highly recommended)
• An old rag or towel

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you touch any plumbing fixture, you must shut off the water. Look underneath your sink for the shutoff valves connected to the metal or plastic supply lines. Turn both the hot and cold valves clockwise until they stop. Once turned off, open the faucet handles completely to drain any residual water and relieve pressure in the pipes.

Step 2: Plug the Drain

Lay an old rag or towel over the sink drain, or insert the sink stopper. This is a critical preventive step: it ensures that any tiny screws, washers, or springs you remove do not accidentally slip down the drain pipe while you are working.

Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handles

To access the internal valve mechanism, you need to remove the handles. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the decorative plastic cap on top of the handle (often marked "H" or "C"). Underneath, you will find a screw. Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to remove this screw, then pull the handle straight up and off the stem. If the handle is stuck, gently wiggle it side-to-side to loosen it.

Step 4: Extract the Valve Stem Assembly

With the handle removed, the brass valve stem is now exposed. Use your adjustable wrench to grip the hexagonal packing nut at the base of the stem. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nut, then unscrew it completely and pull the entire valve stem assembly out of the faucet body.

Step 5: Replace the Worn Washer and O-Ring

Look at the bottom of the valve stem you just removed. You will see a small, flat rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. This washer compresses to seal the water flow; over time, it becomes hardened or torn, causing the leak. Unscrew the brass screw, remove the old washer, and replace it with a matching new one from your assortment kit. Re-tighten the screw. Next, locate the rubber O-ring wrapped around the middle of the stem. Slide it off, slide a matching new O-ring on, and coat it with a tiny dab of plumber's grease to ensure a smooth, watertight seal.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Insert the refurbished valve stem back into the faucet body. Tighten the packing nut with your adjustable wrench by turning it clockwise (do not over-tighten, as you can strip the threads). Place the handle back onto the stem, secure it with its screw, and pop the decorative cap back on. Finally, turn the water supply valves under the sink back on slowly. Turn on the faucet to flush out any air, shut it off, and enjoy your leak-free faucet.